Gout is a form of painful inflammatory arthritis that, when severe, can make it difficult and in some cases, impossible to work.
Can you get Social Security disability for gout? Unfortunately, gout is not one of the conditions that automatically qualifies for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, severe cases may still qualify for disability benefits.
As Social Security Disability attorneys in Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and other cities throughout North Carolina, we have assisted many claimants suffering from various forms of joint pain and arthritis. If you’re unable to work and suffering from an arthritis-related medical condition like gout, we would be happy to assist you with a disability application or appeal.
What is Gout?
Gout is a complex and painful form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body. Commonly, the pain is first felt in the joints of the big toe, but from that point, it can spread to the ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers, and even the spine.
Common symptoms of gout include:
· Swelling
· Stiffness
· Pain
· Redness
· Burning sensation
· Joints sensitive to touch
Types of Gout
Gout can be either acute or chronic. In its acute form, it is often treated with medication and lifestyle and dietary changes, such as consuming less alcohol and fatty foods. Chronic gout, in contrast, can cause painful deformity of the joints and is less responsive to treatment.
Can You Get Disability For Gout?
Yes, you might be able to receive benefits if you meet the SSA’s requirements for disability. Gout is a form of arthritis. The SSA evaluates your symptoms and application for benefits using the requirements listed under inflammatory arthritis in the SSA’s Blue Book.
This section of the Blue Book states that to qualify for benefits, you must be diagnosed with gout and meet the following conditions:
· Two or more of your bodily systems are significantly affected by gout.
· You have at least two of the following symptoms – chronic fever, weight loss, malaise, or fatigue.
· Any of your major peripheral joints in your upper body, including hands, shoulders, elbows, and wrists, make it impossible for you to perform either fine motor or gross motor movements.
· Any of your weight-bearing joints, such as your ankles, hips, and knees, are affected to the point that you cannot effectively walk.
Alternatively, you may qualify for benefits if you suffer from chronic bouts of inflammatory arthritis. These chronic episodes must cause fever, weight loss, malaise, or severe fatigue. And, you’ll need to demonstrate that your condition results in a severe limitation of any of the following:
· Social functioning
· Daily living activities
· Difficulty concentrating
· Difficulty completing tasks in a timely fashion
Ways to Secure Gout Disability Benefits in Charlotte, North Carolina
If you do not qualify for benefits based on the above requirements, the SSA assesses your residual functional capacity (RFC). If that evaluation finds that the severity of your symptoms and limitations prevent you from working full-time, you may qualify for benefits.
The RFC assessment is completed by your medical provider. It lists your conditions, symptoms, limitations, and any side effects from previous treatments.
Collins Price Disability Lawyers in Charlotte, NC
This content was provided by the disability attorneys at Collins Price, PLLC. If you are considering applying for disability benefits for gout, we’d be happy to offer you a free consultation on your claim.
Securing disability payments can be a long and challenging process. Many claimants work with experienced Social Security Disability lawyers to improve their chances of success. We have helped many of our fellow North Carolinians suffering from joint pain and arthritis secure disability benefits. We would like to have the opportunity to help you as well.
Contact the law firm of Collins Price for a free consultation. Allow us to put our years of experience as disability lawyers in Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and other North Carolina cities to work for you.
